Patience: The Embodied Faith in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ
Uncover the Power of Patience in a Restless World
In a culture driven by urgency and instant results, Christian patience is easily misunderstood—or dismissed altogether. Yet the early Church saw patience not as passivity, but as a formative expression of faith in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ—central to Christian witness, leadership, and catechesis.
This 4-week online course is designed for clergy, teachers, and lay leaders seeking to form others in the virtue of patience. Through Scripture, the Church Fathers, and practical resources, Fr. Sergius Halvorsen will help you rediscover patience as a theological practice—one that shapes Christian identity, nurtures communal life, and strengthens our witness to Christ in the world.
What You’ll Learn
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
Explain the relationship between patience and belief in the Resurrection
Reflect on the dangers of anger and impatience in Christian life
Assess strategies for teaching patience in catechesis and education
Practice and promote patience as a spiritual discipline in your community
Meet Your Instructor
V. Rev. Dr. J. Sergius Halvorsen serves as Assistant Professor of Homiletics and Rhetoric at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, where he has taught since 2011. He also directs the Seminary’s Doctor of Ministry Program and regularly teaches courses in Christian education and the sacred art of narrative.
A priest of the Orthodox Church in America, Fr. Sergius is attached to Holy Transfiguration Church in New Haven, Connecticut. He also serves as a part-time chaplain at Yale New Haven Hospital. In addition to his teaching and pastoral work, Fr. Sergius is an accomplished liturgical musician. He has contributed to several recordings with Archangel Voices, a vocal ensemble dedicated to Orthodox liturgical music in English.
Course Format & Schedule
Live Zoom Sessions:
Tuesdays, 8:00–8:45 p.m. ET
Dates:
October 28 – November 18, 2025
Access Period:
October 21 – December 31, 2025
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Explore the connection between patience and belief in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ through guided reflection on Scripture and the writings of the Church Fathers.
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Drawing from The Ladder of Divine Ascent, we will reflect on how our culture often praises anger and impatience as signs of strength. Learn how early Christians saw them as spiritual dangers—and how to resist their pull.
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What can the early Church teach us about forming communities where patience is practiced, taught, and lived? Discover how ancient catechetical methods can shape Christian formation today.
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Reflect on real-life examples of Christian patience in the modern world. How can acts of quiet endurance serve to teach, inspire, and witness to others?
Tuition & Registration
Course Fee: $200
Refund Policy: No refunds after October 20, 2025
To participate, you’ll need to create a username and password during registration. All course materials and recordings will remain available through December 31.
What’s Included
4 live discussion sessions (~45 min each)
4 pre-recorded lectures
4 slide presentations to accompany each lecture
Optional reading material
Access to session recordings and all course materials from October 21 – December 31, 2025
You may submit questions ahead of time for each live Zoom discussion with your professor.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. This is a non-credit, non-transferable enrichment course designed for personal spiritual and theological growth.
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No. While the course is grounded in the Orthodox tradition, it welcomes students of all Christian backgrounds and those exploring Orthodoxy.
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No problem. All live Zoom discussions will be recorded and available to watch anytime during the access period.
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After registering, you’ll use the login credentials you created to access the course platform. All content will be available starting October 21.
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No, readings are optional and provided for those who want to explore topics more deeply.
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Not at this time. This course is for personal enrichment and does not offer a certificate of completion.